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CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDS: Cape Town is the Mother City and is beautifully nestled at the tip of Africa and guarded over by the majestic Table Mountain. Because of its position it is lapped by the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and boasts beaches with pristine white sand and gorgeous vistas. The City however has a rich history and this can be seen at the Houses of Parliament, Greenmarket Square (an open air cobble-stoned market) the lush company Gardens, the Malay Quarters and very close by the Castle of Good Hope. Robben Island which is situated a few kilometers out to sea, also played its part in this countries past. You can take a ferry excursion to the infamous prison and visit the cell that Nelson Mandela called home for almost two decades. Suggested Itinerary: Depart the UK and fly on a direct overnight service to Cape Town. Arrive early morning and with minimal time difference, the jetlag is negligible. Transfer to a hotel of your choice and spend 5 nights exploring all the attractions mentioned above. Day 6: A hire car will be delivered to your hotel and you will start the self drive portion of your holiday. The roads are modern and well kept, the towns are well signposted and the traffic is fairly light, making for an enjoyable and easy way to see South Africa. You will drive along the N1, passing through the Huguenot Tunnel, then onto the R60 and through some lovely scenery into the small country town of Montagu. Best know for the thermal springs and sweet wines it produces. Overnight here. Day 7 : Depart for a drive along the scenic Route 62 , passing through Barrydale ( Country Pumpkin restaurant for tea) and Ladismith before arriving at Oudtshoorn. This semi-arid Karoo region hosts the world famous Cango Caves, with its amazing limestone formations. It is also home to the Cango Wildlife ranch which has a very successful Cheetah breeding programme, as well as other endangered species. Spend 2 nights here. Day 9: From here you now head toward the coast, over the Outeniqua Mountain pass and arrive at Mosselbay. Take a short break here with the lovely views of the Indian Ocean. Then take the N2 highway and head Southward towards Swellendam and overnight here. This Afrikaans town is rich in history and culture. Day 10: Continue heading Southwards and to the coast, for a 2 night stop over at the coastal town of Hermanus. This is considered the best land based whale watching site in the World. It is a small town and a great place to relax and walk around for 2 days. Day 12: Take a short drive over the Hottentots Holland mountain range and the stunning Sir Lowrys pass. From here you get fantastic views of False Bay right across to Table Mountain on the other side. Once you have descended the pass, you pass through Somerset West and then veer inland to Stellenbosch. This is the second oldest town in South Africa and is characterized by the Cape Dutch architecture, University buildings and is also the premier wine growing region in the country. Spend 2 nights here. Day 14: Leisure day, before the short drive to Cape Town International Airport. Once again, it is a direct overnight flight to the UK. Day 15 Arrive in the UK early – mid morning.  Print this page |